A standard rideshare from Downtown Vancouver to VanDusen Botanical Garden costs about $18 at normal demand, and the likely range is $16 to $21. The trip is 7 km and takes about 15 minutes.
How the VanDusen fare adds up
Every figure here is an estimate from average rideshare rates. Uber prices each ride itself, and the app gives the true upfront price once you enter your pickup and destination.
The rate card we used has a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Seven km adds $8.05 and 15 minutes adds $5.25. Together with the base fare that comes to about $16, and the $2 booking fee takes the total to about $18.
Busy periods raise it to about $21. At very busy times the estimate is about $26, and at peak demand it is $34. Comfort is about $22 for this ride, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $25 and Premier is about $38.
Our estimate includes nothing for waiting at the pickup point, so a driver who has to wait for a late passenger may add to the final bill. Being ready at the curb when the car arrives keeps the trip close to the quoted price.
Taxi meter estimate
A trip with Whalley Taxi or Royal City Taxi costs $3.75 plus $2.18 for each km, the same at both. For 7 km the meter would show about $19, which is close to the normal rideshare price. That does not cover waiting or extras, so the bill at the end can be higher.
If you would rather book by phone, Vancouver Taxi is at 604-871-1111 and Yellow Cab Vancouver is at 604-681-1111. Both list card payment, and both list wheelchair accessible vehicles, which are best booked ahead of time.
Getting picked up
Visitor sites like gardens often have more than one gate, so tell the driver exactly which entrance you want. Send the address in the app and look at the suggested pickup spot before you confirm. Leaving the garden is the trickier half of the trip. If you want a car at a particular hour, request it a little early, since a ride booked at a busy moment may take longer to arrive. Groups of five or six should look at XL first, as a standard car may not hold everyone. If you are travelling with a mobility aid, a stroller or a bag of plants you plan to buy, say so when you book and ask whether it will fit. Drivers can tell you before the trip starts, which beats finding out at the curb.